Currently the grappling of spacecraft in orbit is accomplished by specifically engineered pre-configured couplers and mating mechanisms. To capture and service a "free-flying" orbiting spacecraft that has no conventional coupling mechanism, researchers must first be able to demonstrate minimal rates of error in a cost effective and efficient way.

The 20 feet by 15 feet, 1.5-feet thick single piece of granite will allow researchers to precisely simulate the frictionless motion of objects in space and understand the dynamics of docking and servicing satellites that are in orbit.

The tricked-out granite slab is thought to be the largest, single slab, precision granite table in the world with tolerances capable of allowing engineers to simulate service of full-scale satellite spacecraft with significant structural flexibility.

The accuracy at which GOT will perform is thought to be unmatched by any other space robotics facility, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory said.